pass with distinction

USAGE SUMMARY

"pass with distinction" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is commonly used to describe an excellent or exceptional performance on a test, exam, or course. Example: "After studying diligently for weeks, Sarah was able to pass her final exam with distinction, earning the top score in her class."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Much better to stick with a two-level system of pass and fail, or (if you will insist on such elitism) one extra level of "pass with distinction" for the top quartile.

The Economist

Again, there is almost a universally positive and significant relationship between PYSM and children's Swedish performance, particularly in moving from "No Pass" to "Pass" or "Pass with distinction".

IZA Journal of Migration

Table 5 Results on effects of PYSM on math course grade performance with family fixed-effects (reference = "No Pass")   Pass (std. error) Pass with distinction (std. error) Pass with special distinction (std. error) Obs.

IZA Journal of Migration

Table 3 Results on effects of PYSM on Swedish course grade performance with family fixed-effects (reference = "No Pass")   Pass (std. error) Pass with distinction (std. error) Pass with special distinction (std. error) Obs.

IZA Journal of Migration

Across all groups, the educational performance of students breaks up so that 10 20 % fail, 30 40 % pass or pass with distinction, and another 5 10%% pass with the highest distinction, with some variation by parents' country of origin and subject/grade instrument.

IZA Journal of Migration

Secondary analyses using alternative grade reference categories (Pass, Pass with distinction, or Pass with highest distinction) show that, for many groups, the largest impact of PYSM is moving from "No Pass" to any of the higher grade categories and not necessarily between those higher-achieving grade categories, though some variation does exist (not shown).

IZA Journal of Migration

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

KD's, and Big Pine Key, had passed, with distinction.

The New York Times - Travel

And yet if staging a global event such as the Olympics and Paralympics is a test for a nation, then it is one Britain can justly consider itself to have passed and passed with distinction.

The Guardian - Sport

The university's agent in West Africa advised her to first take a diploma in human resource management, which she passed with distinction while back in the Democratic Republic of Congo, her home country.

Independent

The grade categories for both instruments include "Fail," "Passed," "Passed with distinction," and "Passed with highest distinction".

IZA Journal of Migration

For the learning objective Basic healthcare, 4 (5%) failed, 36 (42%) passed with distinction and 47 (55%) passed with great distinction.

BMC Geriatrics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pass with distinction" to specifically denote an exceptional level of achievement, especially in academic or formal assessments. It conveys a higher level of success than simply passing.

Common error

Avoid using "pass with distinction" in overly casual or informal situations. It is best suited for describing formal accomplishments like exams, qualifications, or significant achievements where a high standard is expected.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pass with distinction" functions primarily as a descriptor of achievement, indicating a level of performance that exceeds a standard passing grade. It often specifies the manner or quality with which someone "passed". Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pass with distinction" is a descriptor used to denote a superior level of achievement, typically in academic or professional contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Although relatively uncommon, it effectively communicates exceptional performance. Related phrases include "graduate with honors" and "excel in". The primary contexts for this phrase are Science, News & Media, and Formal & Business settings. When using "pass with distinction", ensure it aligns with the formal tone of the situation and is reserved for accomplishments that genuinely merit a high level of recognition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

graduate with honors

Focuses on graduation and academic achievement.

excel in

Emphasizes outstanding performance in a particular area.

achieve top marks

Highlights the attainment of the highest grades.

succeed admirably

Indicates a praiseworthy level of success.

perform exceptionally well

Focuses on the high quality of performance.

achieve a first-class result

Specific to academic results, indicating the highest level of achievement.

shine in

Suggests a bright and noticeable success.

triumph in

Indicates a significant victory or success after effort.

stand out

Implies being noticeably better than others.

demonstrate mastery of

Highlights a comprehensive understanding and skill in a subject.

FAQs

How can I use "pass with distinction" in a sentence?

You can use "pass with distinction" to describe someone who has achieved a very high grade in an exam or course. For example, "She managed to "pass with distinction" in her final exams".

What's the difference between "pass with distinction" and "pass with honors"?

"Pass with distinction" and "pass with honors" are often used interchangeably, but "pass with distinction" typically suggests a higher level of achievement. The specific criteria may vary depending on the institution or context.

Are there alternative ways to say "pass with distinction"?

Yes, you could use phrases like "graduate with honors", "excel in", or "achieve top marks" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "pass with distinction" in a professional context?

Yes, "pass with distinction" is appropriate in professional contexts when discussing achievements, qualifications, or certifications. It's a clear way to highlight exceptional performance.